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RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)

RSVP is a volunteer program sponsored by United Way of Bay County and a State of Michigan grant. It is a resource for seniors 55 years of age and older

Seniors interested in volunteering need to do only one simple thing: call us! Tell us your interest, talents and time available. After carefully listening to your description, the RSVP will match your interest with a non-profit agency that has a need. There is no limit to the opportunities available. Some volunteers choose to work on special projects, while others prefer long term assignments.

RSVP volunteers enjoy benefits such as supplemental auto, life, liability and health insurance. RSVP reimburses volunteers for mileage to your volunteer site and back home. Special recognition is given to volunteers at events throughout the year. For more information contact Cathy McFarland (e-mail), or call 893-7508 ext 18.

Cabin Fever Recruitment:
Join RSVP for our “Remember Summer” Picnic, Wednesday, February 18th, 11:00am-1:00pm at Arbeitoer Hall (the former DAV hall), 1304 S. Wenona St. All RSVP Volunteers are free of charge, guests are $5. Any guest that becomes an active RSVP volunteer will receive a $5 Meijer gift card. Play bingo to win prizes, enjoy a hot dog roast with summer salads and fresh fruit. To make your reservation call the RSVP office at 893-7508 ext. 18 by Friday February 12th.

Tuesday Toolmen:
The United Way of Bay County's Tuesday Toolmen Program offers free minor home maintenance for qualifying Bay County residents!  For more information or a live testimonial on the program, click here!

Creative Quilters:
The RSVP Creative Quilters gather every Monday afternoon at Riverside Senior Center to quilt infant and toddler blankets for area non-profit agencies.  This summer these talented ladies have made over 108 blankets.  They have been distributed to the Community Services Program at UW as well as American Red Cross, Women's Shelter, Bay Regional Medical Center and Good Samaritan Mission. 

Knit Wits:
The RSVP Knit Wits gather every Tuesday morning at Riverside Senior Center to knit and crochet items for children and seniors.  So far this year the ladies have made over 420 items such as hats, scarves, booties and blankets to be donated to Bay Regional Medical Center and other non-profit agencies.

What's Happening Highlights

Volunteer Hours:

RSVP volunteers contributed 9,927.75 hours so far for this fiscal year. According to the Independent Sector this is the equivalents of $201,036.94.  RSVP Volunteers donate their time and talent to over 40 different agencies, helping them with office work, visiting with seniors in area nursing homes, delivering meals to home bound seniors, knitting, quilting, baking and much more.

Community Garden Harvest Hits Record for 2009

As harvest time concludes for many area gardeners, United Way has something to brag about. Their community garden managed by local volunteers produced a record number of fresh fruits & vegetables.

Why is this so special? Because 100% of the produce is donated to feed hungry families in Bay County and this year over 4,667 pounds went to the dinner table. According to USDA and local grocery stores the produce is valued at $5,936.

Seeking to reduce the amount of wasted produce from neighborhood gardens Cathy McFarland, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Director took a new approach. “We invited area gardeners to drop off their unused produce at our garden. We then partnered with Hidden Harvest who  picks up the produce and distributes it to various soup kitchens and shelters.” This resulted in 175 pounds in donations.

The United Way’s Community Garden is located on DeQuoy Dr. behind Bay County Public School Academy on State Street.  The community garden is made possible by United Way, senior community volunteers and a grant from Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency. To volunteer with United Way on other community based projects, call 893-7508 ext. 18 or visit www.unitedwaybaycounty.org

Community Projects:
RSVP has initiated a number of community projects. If one is of interest to you call Cathy McFarland at 893.6060.

Phone Pals:
A volunteer calls a person who is shut-in to chat for a few minutes several times a month, or as often as they choose.